AI PERSON OF THE YEAR 2023

By public vote and jury, Hans Hoornstra has been chosen as AI Person of the Year. The AI Person of the Year is a true visionary whose exceptional contributions have dramatically changed and advanced the landscape of AI. An AI Person of the Year is known for exemplifying excellence and innovation. This is not only a tribute to impressive achievements, but also a recognition of the influential position and profound impact they have in shaping the future of AI.

Hans Hoornstra

Hans Hoornstra

Winner AI Person of the Year

Jury Report: Hans Hoornstra has distinguished himself by his proactive approach in using AI for societal benefit and education. His innovative projects such as Stemchat.nl and Omgevingswet DQ demonstrate his commitment to improving democratic processes and making complex legislation more accessible. His vision of AI as a catalyst for positive change emphasizes the importance of ethics and responsibility. Hans' contributions are invaluable to society and the educational sector.

Impact: What is your specific contribution to AI?

As a pioneer in the digital transition, I am proactively responding to generative AI. Within two months of launching ChatGPT, I launched a successful Education Congress on ChatGPT, reflecting my deep commitment to engaging the educational community in the evolution of generative AI. This conference, now in its third edition within one year, provides a platform for teachers, policymakers and education providers to exchange ideas and shape the future of education in the AI era.

My initiative Stemchat.nl demonstrates my ability to apply AI for social benefit. Stemchat.nl offered voters free AI-generated voting advice in the recent Lower House elections. This supported democratic processes and increased civic engagement. StemChat was used by tens of thousands of voters and received national attention. This project highlights the dual role of generative AI in democracy: on the one hand the potential danger by spreading disinformation, and on the other hand the possibility to effectively support democracy through objective information.

My collaboration with government agencies, particularly in the application of AI to unlock complex legislation such as the Environment Act and the Open Government Act, shows how I have used technology to make information more accessible and understandable. Through the Omgevingswet DQ, an innovative voice bot, I have created a tool that allows citizens and professionals to more easily navigate layered and complex legislation. These initiatives serve an important guide function. The projects reflect my belief that AI, when used responsibly, can be a powerful tool for positive social change.

Accessible: How do you make AI more accessible and widely known?

With my series of accessible online lectures, which have been viewed by thousands, I have built a bridge between the complex world of generative AI and the general public. These courses are designed to translate complex AI concepts into understandable terms, allowing participants to gain not only knowledge but also understanding. By writing a book within a day with AI, I have not only demonstrated my expertise, but also highlighted the fascinating potential of AI in an innovative way. These educational initiatives go beyond superficial explanations. They provide a deep thinking framework that enables people to understand how AI works, see its implications within their professional environments, and consider the ethical issues it raises. This contributes to a thorough and nuanced knowledge of AI, essential for effectively navigating an AI-driven future.

My approach includes not only theoretical explanations and conceptual models, but also offers concrete, practical solutions for integrating AI into everyday life. Working with government agencies and educational institutions, I have developed applications that make AI accessible to everyone, from voice assistants to interactive learning tools. This illustrates the power of AI to bring about positive change, while strengthening the general understanding of this technology. Through my work, I make AI not only accessible, but also an integral part of our society. This approach ensures that AI, rather than a distant technology, plays an essential role in enriching our lives and work.

Vision: What is your vision for the future of AI?

My vision for the future of AI focuses on leveraging this technology as a catalyst for positive change, with a deep emphasis on ethics and responsible use. Using models such as the Columbus Model and Columbus' AI, I offer a framework that enables both AI experts and laypeople to effectively understand and apply AI in various industries. This vision of the future sees AI as a complementary force alongside human insights, working together to address pressing world problems, with a continued focus on ethical considerations and potential risks.

A key challenge is engaging and educating people in the use of generative AI. Rapid developments in AI require a learning curve that not everyone finds immediately appealing. It is therefore crucial to support people in this process so that they can see the benefits of AI and meet its challenges.

In an era where AI technologies are becoming more sophisticated, authenticity and humanity are becoming more valuable. We must not only equip people to use AI, but also teach them to understand how it works. It is crucial to include them in the ethical issues that used to be theoretical but are now concrete daily challenges. As aptly stated in "Spider-Man" by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, "With great power comes great responsibility. These words resonate deeply with my view of AI: while we embrace the power of AI, we must equally accept the responsibility to use it wisely and ethically.

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